An HHV-6 infection, also known as sixth disease.
Typically affects children between six months and two years of age.
Children present with sudden high fever, which may precipitate febrile convulsions.
After a few days the fever subsides, and a red rash appears on the trunk, spreading to the legs and neck.
The rash does not itch and lasts 1-2 days.
Most children are not seriously ill.
There is no specific vaccine against or treatment for the disease.
A small number of children that acquire HHV-6 show no outward sign of the disease.
Process occurs in approximately 30% of children during primary HHV-6 infection.
Treatments with agents for Cytomegalovirus such as valganciclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir, and foscarne have shown some success.